Rs 1 lakh aid to kin of hooch victims

The Maharashtra government on Sunday announced a compensation and rehabilitation for those affected by the Malvani hooch tragedy as the death toll inched towards the three-figure mark – making it one of the worst  incidents in recent times in Mumbai.

The BJP-Shiv Sena government’s decision to announce ex-gratia comes a day after Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao expressed deep shock over the tragedy. “Innocent families have been affected…we are with them at this time of crisis,” Rao said on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the toll has reached 96 and more than 40 others are undergoing treatment. “So far, 96 people have died in the hooch tragedy,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni said.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Vinod Tawde, announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh each to the next of kin of those who had died after consuming illicit liquor in the Laxminagar slums and adjoining areas of Malvani in the Malad western suburbs of Mumbai.

Besides, he also said that the government would also see how they can help the womenfolk.